48 



here, aud he appears to have been roused at the idea of supporting, by 

 French money, French aristocrats and democrats indiscriminately. 

 Both he and his nation ought to be satisfied, that in the cause of 

 humanity, oppressed by poverty, poHtical opinions have nothing to do : 

 add to this, that none but the really indigent received a fartliing. It 

 was the duty of the French repubhc to relieve their colonists labouring 

 under a penury so produced ; and, as it would have been too late to wait 

 for their approbation before the payments were decreed, it will not be 

 deemed an offensive disposal of French money, that we now make a 

 claim for repayment. If Mr. Fauchet has power upon the subject, an 

 attempt will be made for a settlement with him here ; but, that being 

 very doubtful, it will forward the retribution by discussing it in Europe. 

 "10. You M-ill be also charged with the demands of seveml American 

 citizens for bills of exchange drawn in the French West Indies on 

 France. The report of a committee of them, Mr. Fauchet's letter, and 

 the vouchers which you will carry, leave no doubt of your success. But, 

 if there should be any difficulty, do not fail to communicate it to the 

 Secretary of State — instantaneously. The sooner, therefore, the affair 

 is entered upon, the better. 



"11. It is impoitant that no public character of the United States 

 should be in France, which is not acceptable. You will inquire into the 

 consuls, and inform how they are approved, and whether they be 

 deserving. Although the President wdll avoid as much as possible to 

 appoint any obnoxious person consul, it may happen otherwise, and 

 must be considered as accidental. Mr. Alexander Duvemah goes for 

 Paris in the quaUty of vice-consul ; and Mr. Fauchet said that he had 

 nothing to object to him. 



" Consulates are established in every port of France, where they are 

 conceived useful. But perhaps you may find it advisable to mark out 

 some other places for such officers. 



" 12. It is recommended that no business of consequence be carried 

 on, verbally or in writing, but in your own language. The Minister of 

 each nation has a right to use his national tongue ; and few men can 

 confide in their exactness, when they do business in a foreign one. But 

 great care is necessary in the choice of interpreters, when they are to be 

 resorted to. 



"13. It is a practice of gi'eat utility to note down every conversation 

 of consequence which you hold, immediately after retirement ; and the 

 Executive will expect to receive copies of what shall be thus written. 



"14. A communication with our other ministers in Eiu-ope, under 

 proper caution, may be advantageous. 



"15. Let nothing depend upon verbal commimications, which can be 

 canied on in writing. 



